The beach is always a welcome escape, especially during the warmer months. But a trip out to the surf isn't as low-key as it lets on—at the very least, you'll need SPF and a towel—which means it is time to start shopping for summer's most versatile accessory, the beach bag.
While basket bags and netted bags can often do double duty as beach bags, there are a few specific qualities innate to look for. So, in addition to sharing our own picks, we reached out to Rickie De Sole, women's fashion director at Nordstrom, styling duo Danielle and Alix, and Nana Yaa Ansah, fashion and lifestyle content creator, to chat about their favorites.
“I’d like for [my bag] not to get wet, and if it does, it should be able to dry quickly,” says Ansah. “I look for something that’s going to be sturdy enough to hold all my beach items and won’t be a hassle to clean,” she adds. In this case, Ansah shares that water-resistant raffia bags and durable canvas bags are most ideal.
"When searching for a beach bag, also look for options that have [compartments] to protect your phone, wallet, and valuable items from the sand," Danielle and Alix tell Marie Claire. So, in addition to boasting quality fabrics, the beach bags listed below will hold everything you need while keeping your most prized possessions safe, courtesy of practical features like spacious designs, inner pockets, and hidden pouches.
We've also made sure to keep style in mind, of course. "The ultimate beach bag needs to be two things: fun and practical," says De Sole. She suggests livening up your collection of beach bags by playing into textured details and pops of color (you'll find more on that below).
So, pull out your cutest bikini or one-piece swimsuit, find your favorite pair of sandals, grab your best sunglasses, and submit an official out-of-office request: it’s time for a beach day. Or, if you can’t get to the beach right now, feel free to settle for your nearest pool (just don't forget your sunscreen).
The Best Beach Bags
- Best Overall Beach Bag: L.L. Bean Boat and Tote
- Best Affordable Beach Bag: BAGGU Standard Reusable Tote Bag
- Best Splurge Beach Bag: Altuzarra Watermill Bag Small
- Best Sporty Beach Bag: Lululemon On My Level Bag 2.0 19L
- Best Canvas Beach Bag: Marc Jacobs The Jacquard Tote Bag
Best Overall Beach Bag
Live out your coastal grandmother fantasies with this classic canvas tote from L.L. Bean. Leave it plain, or get it embroidered with a monogram for a personalized touch. "I'm loving my boat and tote so far—it's the perfect beach bag," raves a more-than-pleased shopper. "For reference, my large bag holds two beach towels, a change of clothes, multiple water bottles, a book, sunscreen, and more with room to spare. The long handles make it easy to carry as well. I also love the zip top because it keeps my stuff in and the sand out."
Best Affordable Beach Bag
Not to be too on the nose, but this beach bag has a literal ocean print on it! This tote from the Internet-adored BAGGU (you've definitely seen a few TikToks of people shoving everything but the kitchen sink into the brand's spacious styles) is so cute for days spent lounging by the ocean. It's made of recycled ripstop nylon and can hold up to 50 lbs—so, yes, you can bring that 500-page novel you've been meaning to crack open. "I was skeptical about the whole BAGGU trend going on, but now I understand," writes an Urban Outfitters shopper. "The quality on BAGGU's are incomparable. They're so lightweight but can hold everything you need and more while being compact."
Best Splurge Beach Bag
"Altuzarra's watermill silhouette is not your run-of-the-mill beach tote but is worth the investment, thanks to its versatility. Crafted from natural palm leaf and hand-stitched leather detailing, the tote is large enough for your beach towel, SPFs, sunglasses, and a summer read but works perfectly as a work or weekend bag for non-beach days."—Sara Holzman, Style Director.
Best Sporty Beach Bag
This pick from Lululemon is made from water-repellant fabric, so all of your valuables will stay dry on your next beach trip. It has an adjustable and removable shoulder strap, a secure buckle closure, and interior pockets for your essentials. One Lululemon customer calls it "a Marry Poppins bag," saying it "carries as much or as little as you like. It has multiple compartments, while the two main sides expand for whatever your needs might be. I use it every day!"
Best Canvas Beach Bag
The bag that needs no introduction—because it introduces itself! Marc Jacobs' iconic self-describing tote bag comes in many shapes and fabrications, including this jacquard canvas tote that's a top pick for summer 2023's best beach bags. The sturdy, boxy bag measures 16.5 inches wide and six-point-three deep, meaning it can safely carry all your summer must-haves. Take it from this pleased Bloomingdale's shopper: "This is a great tote bag. It's made of heavy-duty canvas and is very roomy with interior pockets. It also has a zipper which is nice because many totes do not."
More Beach Bags That We Love
Best Beach Bag with a Zip Pouch
"We love the Naghedi St. Barths Large Tote," says styling duo Danielle and Alix. Since they're partly based in Los Angeles, they know a thing or two about the best beach bags for a day at the shore. The duo tells Marie Claire that they're especially partial toward Naghedi's tote because it's equipped with a zip pouch that's ideal for keeping smaller belongings separate from larger items. "[It} fits everything you could need for a summer day."
Best Raffia Beach Bag
Heading to an upscale dinner after a day of lounging at the beach? Look no further than Celine's Panier bag to add an elevated feel to your look. "I love the contrast between the calfskin leather and the hand braided palm leaves—I also love how spacious this bag is, it’s very ideal to store beach essentials," says Ansah, who shares that this raffia bag is one of her must-have accessories for any trip to the shore.
Most Secure Beach Bag
Striped anything always exudes an inherently summery vibe, but this Clare V. tote bag, which was explicitly designed with the beach in mind, takes the print to an entirely new warm-weather level. Made from a nylon canvas and trimmed with leather, this durable carry-all tote bag will be your no-fuss summer hero bag. "It's the coordinating pouch I love so much on this Clare V. tote," gushes de Sole. This happy Nordstrom shopper echoes the fashion expert: "I saw this bag and had to have it. [It's] super cute and very beachy. Holds a decent amount, and the pouch is great for holding my wallet and keys while at the beach."
Best Tote Beach Bag
Rothy’s Lightweight Mega Tote is equally ideal for trips to the beach, especially in the "Camel Colorblock" shade. This tote is light as a feather yet so spacious it can hold your towels, picnic blankets, beach read, rackets and refreshments. Its perforated fabric gives a breathable interior, and is made of marine plastic, so you’ll feel extra good about wearing this to your next oceanside outing.
Best Nylon Beach Bag
"This bag is one of the most versatile pieces in my wardrobe, bar none. It's already amazing as a laptop bag for during the workweek, but it's also a great beach bag, too. It's made from a lightweight nylon material and has sturdy leather straps. It's easy to clean, and sand won't get stuck in the corners along the bottom. It also holds so much stuff. I once carried a bathing suit, a towel, a change of clothes, and several bottles of sunscreen, and snacks into it. It's practically a weekender bag in my collection at this point.”—Fashion E-Commerce Editor, Julia Marzovilla
Best Mesh Beach Bag
"We're only a month into summer, and I've already found the bag that will define the season for me: This salmon-pink mesh tote by 3.1 Phillip Lim. It's great for early morning runs to the farmer's market or running errands around the city, but my favorite use is for day trips to the beach. I recently spent a day lounging by the ocean and, as a chronic over-packer, was amazed that this unstructured mesh style fits all of my essentials, including my 24-oz water bottle, Kindle, and change of clothes."—Emma Childs, Fashion Features Editor
Best Designer Beach Bag
Danielle and Alix share that classic designer beach bags offer "the perfect way to elevate a summer outfit." Their favorite? Jacquemus' Le Panier Soli tote, which is handwoven with gorgeous raffia and trimmed with luxurious leather. The fashion mavens share that they love to style this designer piece with Jacquemus' Le Bob Gadjo bucket hat.
Best Cotton Beach Bag
At 18.5 inches long, 6.25 inches wide, and 14 inches high, this bag fits everything! Dagne Dover's cotton tote bag can even carry your laptop if you're lucky enough to work remotely this summer with your toes in the sand. And there are pockets galore: one interior zip, three interior slips, one bottle holder, four exterior slips, and one exterior phone pouch. One DD customer writes, "This bag is nothing short of amazing! Stands up by without anything in it. Holds all the things with room to spare! The material is amazing for beach weekends!"
Best Eco-Friendly Beach Bag
Sustainable manufacturing is a core value for British brand DeMellier, so it comes as no surprise that they've created a beach bag that embodies just that. "The Santorini is ethically and sustainably made—a huge plus for me," says Ansah. "It’s hand woven by artisans in Morocco, which brings a special uniqueness to this bag." You can also bet on the fact that this beach bag will last for many years to come, as DeMellier prioritizes quality craftsmanship to extend the life of their products.
Best Straw Beach Bag
Go ahead, buy the fun beach bag with the slogan on it! "Got this bag for a spring break trip and to use this summer at the beach," writes one happy Nordstrom shopper. "It was perfect: very durable material, high-quality bag. More space than I was expecting," they say of the tote bag they dub perfectly "practical and cheeky!"
Best Gingham Beach Bag
Carrying a lot of stuff? This 100 percent cotton bag from KULE will hold all of your essentials. It measures 25 inches across and is seven inches deep, meaning it can hold all your beach towels, bathing suits, sunscreen, and more. It's made of 100 percent cotton canvas and features an undeniably summery gingham print. Bonus: you can even coordinate your outfit with your bag, courtesy of KULE's matchy-matchy separates—like this collared polo shirt and knit bandana in the same picnic-ready pattern.
Best Black Beach Bag
If you're the kind of person who only wears black (even in the summer), don't let a day trip to the beach stop you from living your dark-hued life. This tote from Banana Republic has a vegan leather handle for extra durability, so you'll be able to carry around your shoreside necessities with ease. Also, because of it's practical shade of black and simple silhouette, you can take this tote beyond the beach (maybe a trip to your local farmer's market or a quick visit to the park for a nice picnic).
What to Look for in a Beach Bag
- Practicality
"Beach bags, by nature, need to hold lots of stuff: suntan lotion, books, magazines, sunglasses, water bottles, towels—the list goes on! You'll want to look for something roomy that you can pile your belongings into," explains De Sole. "I look for totes that have pockets inside or a coordinating pouch to keep important items like my wallet secure."
Ansah notes that in addition to featuring interior compartments, your beach bag of choice should also have a lengthy handle if you plan on carrying it over your shoulder: “This feature is important because you want a bag that’s going to be comfortable enough to carry long or short distances.” She also shares that you should prioritize practicality above everything else while shopping for a beach bag. "Make sure your bag can accomplish the goal it needs to before [you invest in it].”
- Fabric
Ansah tells Marie Claire that she prefers durable fabrics like raffia and canvas that can withstand salty seawater and sand stains. “[Raffia bags] are water resistant, durable and lightweight which makes it a no-brainer for a beach accessory," she says. "If you’re environmentally conscious like me, you’ll also appreciate that raffia bags are eco-friendly.”
The content creator explains that canvas bags are also durable, eco-friendly, and best of all, convenient: “[They're] easy to wash, easy to tote, and [they] get the job done."
With regard to choosing canvas over raffia, or vice versa, Ansah shares that it really depends on the occasion: “If I’m going for a very casual look and there are tons of activities for the day, I might just do a large canvas bag,” she says. “If it’s more of a social event or something like a Hamptons outing, I might want to wear my structured raffia tote bag for a more luxe aesthetic.”
- Fun Designs
"A day at the beach under the warm sun calls for color," de Sole says. The Nordstrom fashion expert encourages you to seek out playful design details like crochet, woven straw fabrications, and striking patterns. "I love a brightly-printed tote or a raffia bag with vibrant trim," she specifically shouts out.
And if you'd like to spruce up your bag even more, Danielle and Alix suggest taking things a step further by accessorizing. "We love to add our own personal flare to our bags, like tying a summery handkerchief or bandana around the handle for a pop of color," they add.
How to Style a Beach Bag
For the social butterfly who has dinner plans lined up after a day at the beach, transition your seaside look to the table by pairing a raffia bag with a chic maxi dress. To really enhance your outfit, experiment with vibrant colors like saturated shades of orange, and make sure to accessorize with bold gold jewelry and a nice pair of heeled sandals.
Alternatively, if you'd prefer not to wear a dress, Danielle and Alix share that there are plenty of other options. "For a nighttime summer look, [you can] pair a dressier outfit, like a linen trouser and vest set, with a [more casual] raffia beach bag," says the duo. "We love any look that has some type of contrast or juxtaposition."
If you're looking to make a statement, there's no better way to do so than by pairing a brightly-colored beach bag with a coordinating dress. "[Carrying] a colorful beach bag adds that extra bit of personality to any look," Danielle and Alix share.
Not all coastlines are bright and sunny. Prepare for potential temperature drops by packing an extra set of warm clothes in your spacious beach bag—just in case you need to throw on a few layers over your swimsuit. We would recommend a cozy cardigan, linen trousers, and a pair of comfortable slides.
Meet the Fashion Experts
Rickie de Sole is the Women's Fashion Director at Nordstrom.
Celebrity styling duo Danielle and Alix specialize in styling red carpet and special events, street style looks, editorial shoots, and brand campaigns. They're based in Los Angeles and New York.
Nana Yaa Ansah is a first-generation Ghanaian-American fashion and lifestyle content creator who helps her followers to elevate their personal style.
Stay In The Know
Marie Claire email subscribers get intel on fashion and beauty trends, hot-off-the-press celebrity news, and more. Sign up here.
Julia Marzovilla is the Fashion E-Commerce Editor at Marie Claire, where she covers everything from the latest beauty and fashion launches and sales to celebrity outfits and news. She also creates shopping guides that span every vertical on the site. Prior to joining the Marie Claire team, she contributed similar shopping stories to sites such as Bustle, InStyle, The Zoe Report, Who What Wear, and STYLECASTER. In her spare time, Julia can be found creating shopping guides for all of her friends, spending too much money on yet another pair of black boots, and cooking in her far-too-small kitchen.
- Emma ChildsFashion Features Editor
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